textproduct: Quad Cities

KEY MESSAGES

- Above normal temperatures are forecast through the upcoming weekend with a brief cool down possible early next week.

- There are low chances of light rain Monday and Monday night.

SHORT TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/

Issued at 153 AM CDT Thu Oct 22 2026

The 500 mb ridge remains firmly over the central US, with the 850 mb high centered over southeast Iowa. Forecast soundings show that within this ridge, winds aloft remain quite weak (<15 kts) through the majority of the low and even mid levels. Between this and the influence of high pressure, winds today will be calm to light and variable. Highs today will be in the mid to upper 70s, marking the warmest day so far in this stretch of above-normal temperatures.

As we approach Friday, a 500 mb trough over the Rockies will undergo cyclogenesis, resulting in an increasing pressure gradient across the Northern Plains into Iowa. The resultant increase in winds on Friday, while greatest over western Iowa, will feel measurable after the lack of wind today. Highs on Friday will be once again in the mid to upper 70s.

LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 153 AM CDT Thu Oct 22 2026

A tightening pressure gradient will remain across much of Iowa on Saturday as the surface cyclone over Canada deepens. As a result. Saturday will be breezier than Friday. In addition, this is expected to be yet another warm day, with highs once again in the mid to upper 70s as stronger mixing mixes down warmer temperatures. At least one more day of these well-above normal (near +15 degrees!) is in store on Sunday as the ridge axis translates eastward.

By Monday, a cool front associated with a surface cyclone over Canada will sag through the CWA. Model guidance remains split on timing for this front, resulting in a large spread for highs, especially in the northwestern half of the CWA. While it may be possible for highs as warm as 65 degrees (45-85% north to south), a cooldown is likely for at least part of the area. In addition, Monday brings our next chance of measurable rainfall, though chances are low (10-30%). The majority of these chances will be west of the Mississippi, while areas east of the Mississippi will have below a 50% chance for measurable rainfall. For areas that do see measurable rain, accumulations up to a tenth of an inch are possible (20-40%).

Tuesday and beyond will bring additional chances for rain and cooler temperatures.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 1225 AM CDT Thu Oct 22 2026

VFR conditions are expected through the TAF period. A few dissipating clouds at 7000 ft are slowly moving through the area, primarily affecting BRL. Winds will be calm to light and variable through the morning hours before becoming primarily southeasterly by 22/16Z. Additionally, the development of isolated patchy MVFR fog may be possible from 22/11-14Z in and along river valleys, especially the Mississippi. The most likely terminal to be impacted if fog develops is MLI. However, confidence in this potential is still quite low (<30%) and while it has been excluded from this issuance, the TAFs will be monitored and updated if the fog potential increases.

DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

IA...None. IL...None. MO...None.